University students go to jail as part of studies

Apr 10 2008 by Moira Sharkey, Western Mail

THE reality of life behind bars was a lesson learned by university students when they were taken behind the scenes at Cardiff Prison.

Students of Criminal and Community Justice at the University of Wales, Newport, met prison staff and visited the Category B prison including the detox, life and segregation units.

“After visiting Cardiff Prison I have completely changed my view of prison life – it’s the opposite to the picture I had in my mind,” said Stephanie Jenkins who is on the third year of the criminal and community justice degree course.

“I used to think prison life was easy but I certainly wouldn’t want to exchange my freedom for their day-to-day environment. It’s also opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes and the people – such as probation officers, nurses, chaplaincy and forensic psychologists – who make a prison run like clockwork.”

Commenting on the students’ visit, Eryl Drew, residential manager to the governor at the prison, said: “Its very important that individuals get to see what a prison is really like, from what goes on behind the scenes to the prisoners’ day to day life.

“Being in a prison reveals a different and complex world that stirs all kinds of emotions in people.”

Dr Jo Brayford, senior lecturer in criminal and community justice, who organised the visit, said, “Bringing the students here has given them a different perspective on their studies. They can now see the reality of prison life instead of the unrealistic perception shown on television and in films.”